I would start by asking why you want to makeover your kitchen, why you've chosen the specific items you've mentioned, and what objectives/look you're trying to achieve by doing it.

I want to makeover my kitchen because I don't like the look of my current kitchen. I don't like the green counters or the fussy backsplash with the 1x1 granite accent tiles and the hideous grapes and medallions over the stove. I want to freshen up the space. I would love to lighten it up and prefer lighter counters and cabinets, though I'm nervous about having the cabinets painted.

I like the color of your cabinets. Generally I would prefer a dark almost black or charcoal counter with them but if you want something light there are some nice examples if you search houzz kitchens. I would remove the granite backsplash and tile down to the counter. Adding hardware to the cabinets would help also.

Your cabinets look wonderful the way they are. Since you like quartz countertops, i would select a white or off white one and use a simple subway tile that goes with the countertop. It would be good to start the backsplash at countertop height instead of having both a quartz splash and a tile splash. I would not repeat the stairstep splash that you have on the side wall. In fact, you don't really need a splash there at all.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

I think I would be inclined to leave everything but the backsplash, at least to start. I think you can definitely work with the floors, cabinets and countertops...they are quite nice and don't appear dated at all. Fresh paint on the walls and some colourful accessories may be all that's needed for a refresh.

Enjoy!!

This light counter with black hardware is nice
http://houzz.com/photos/1119752

Thanks for all the comments. I agree about not doing the backsplash on the side wall, Carolyn. The counters actually look a lot better in photos than they do in real life because they are much greener than they appear here. If you have ever seen Verde Butterfly granite, I think that's what this is. I love the white counter like the one you posted, sam0705, but I'm not sure white counters will work with the floors. What do you think?

I was considering Caesarstone in Buttermilk or Desert Limestone, but the samples don't look quite right with the floor either.

Thanks, Carolyn. This is the kind of feedback I was hoping or. If I went with Caesarstone in Buttermilk, what color subway tile should I use? Should I try to match the countertop or go a few shades darker?

Or a contrasting color, like light green, in a glass subway tile?

Your kitchen is perfect why would you even consider it ? Just add some thing colourful on the counter

[houzz=]

I'd have to have a sample of C's Buttermilk in front of me to tell you, and I don't. Take a sample from your supplier to various tile stores and get samples of subway tile, glass tile, or what have you. Borrow the samples to take home to see how it all goes together in your lighting at home. A lot of showrooms are lighted with old fluorescent lighting which is different from what you have at home (I hope).

Your backsplash tile can be lighter or darker than your countertop as long as they look good together and don't fight with your flooring, which I don't consider a large issue, but something to pay attention to.

I see your point in changing. Change the tops and backsplash. Nice cabinets and I would not paint.

I have a terrible color memory so I'd do this... Bring a sample of the tile and a door front to a granite yard. If you don't have extra tile around run to Home Depot and pick some you think are close til you get one. Its easy to pick a selection and return them. It is amazing how different everything looks just together. Then you can get an idea of what you think looks great together and what enhances the floor tones you like most.
As far as changing - if you don't like it you don't like it. Go for it.

I have uploaded photos of my Kitchen makeover, You can combine dark and light top units. We went for a bianco carrera quartz worktop as it reflects more light than a dark one, and is great to keep clean. There are many pinterest images that inspired me and would inspire you. I would defo repaint your units if they are solid wood. I wished mine were.